Meteor showers are cyclical, predictable events because they are formed from the icy rock debris shed by comets as they pass the Sun. The following sites explain why they happen, when they occur, and offer tips on how to best view them.

American Meteor Society: Meteor Shower Basics “From earliest times, humankind has noticed flurries of meteors that seemed to emanate from points in the sky at particular times of the year. These flurries, now called meteor showers, are produced by small fragments of cosmic debris entering the earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speed.” Visit the AMS site for Meteor FAQs, Photos, Videos, a Meteor Shower Calendar, and this introductory article.

EarthSky: Meteor Shower Guide Scroll through EarthSky’s meteor calendar, from the Quadrantids (in January) to December’s Gemids, to get the low-down on what’s showing in a sky near you. There are also pointers on what to bring with you, and finding a dark sky. “Although astronomers have tried to publish exact predictions in recent years, meteor showers remain notoriously unpredictable. Your best bet is to go outside at the times we suggest, and plan to spend at least an hour, if not a whole night, reclining comfortably while looking up at the sky.”

Meteor Showers Online In recognition of his extensive comet research, Gary Kronk has been honored by the International Astronomical Union with a minor planet named after him. His Meteor Showers Online site covers all the basics, with sections on How to Watch Meteors and a Meteor Shower Calendar. “The beauty of observing meteors is that it is the one branch of astronomy that requires virtually no equipment, or at least no expensive optical equipment. The optical equipment you will use are your eyes and the only other equipment you really need is a reclining chair.”